Shrugs

Do you want a quick, lightweight and snazzy top layer piece that leaves most of your main outfit out in the open, that's not a jacket, and that doesn't look thrown together? How about showcasing your main look with a smart and elegant short or long-sleeved cropped cardigan that's smaller than a vest, but more tailored than a shawl or cape- a shrug? Don't let the word turn you off. (But, isn't it cool how fashion ideas are labeled and re-labeled - old, new, updated, re-mixed - to communicate and share style love?)

Typically covering just a small area of the upper body and arms, the shrug is generally smaller than a bolero, perhaps not as tailored but can easily perform as a luxurious outer piece over a formal gown. See chiffon or lush fur shrugs, or cap-sleeve, antique gold beaded shrugs, like the one by Alice & Olivia. A flower girl or prom princess will glow in a white, feather-soft shrug with jewel-button closure at the neck. It has more formal flair than a bolero and it's just the right mix of plush and luxurious that a regular sweater could not pull off. Also, look at Michael Kors cashmere shrugs.

From shoulder and arm warmers with two sleeves joined from the back, to tie-front, button-front, or twist front cropped cardigan-style shrugs, they're not too hot and not too cold, perfect for dance warm-ups, yoga, after workouts, everyday wear. Check out Bloch leotard toppers and Puma long-sleeved shrug wraps with adjustable front ties.

Layer long-line tops with open-weave, velvet embellished shrugs and styles with sleeves of various lengths, to dress up or down. Give some serious consideration to thinking out of the box (of a jacket or blazer, that is) and try a long or short, draping and multifunction shrug vest by Tactel. Plus, try Haute Hippie, DKNY shrugs and Urban Outfitters.